‘An unfair, politically biased ordeal’

By now we have all heard the news that President Donald Trump’s counsel will not be participating in the House Judiciary Committee’s first impeachment hearing today. As a member of the committee, I believe President Trump has made the right decision.

In their obsession and rush to impeach the president by the end of the year, Democrats have rigged the process from the start. I wouldn’t blame anyone, let alone the president, for being skeptical about this unfair process. Closed door secret meetings, selectively leaked details, refusing to allow Republican witnesses, and releasing the Schiff report and witness list right before the hearing all indicate an unfair, politically biased ordeal.

With little to no information provided by Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler, right now it appears anything goes. The president was provided little notice and no indication of who would be the witnesses or if there would be additional hearings. This leaves more questions than answers as we head into the next phase of an already tainted process.

House Democrats do not seem to grasp that they cannot legitimize such an illegitimate process half way through. This process has been unfair for the president and the Republicans from the start, with Democrats ignoring the historical precedents outlined in the Clinton and Nixon impeachments. When it comes to Trump, Democrats have created a whole new set of rules. For them, the end justifies the means, no matter how devoid of due process and fairness those means are.

Should the chairman and the committee change course, perhaps the president will reconsider. But with no clarity, he does not have to bow to Democrats’ arbitrary deadlines and demands. When the rules are properly outlined and due process is ensured, only then should he consider sending his counsel to the Judiciary Committee.

Until then, this hearing should not be presented or perceived as President Trump’s chance to present a defense or prove his innocence. The rules have been rigged against him. Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., serves on the House Judiciary Committee.